In short, the bylaw bans the use of pesticides in July and August; enforces IPM accreditation for lawn care companies; limits spraying to 20 per cent of a lawn; and sets out restrictions for pesticide application in terms of weather conditions and temperature. Residents who apply pesticides must post warning signs 24 hours before and 48 hours after spraying.

An education campaign followed the bylaw's passing: brochures were delivered to households, details were posted on the town website and the bylaw was advertised in local newspapers.

There were about 125 general inquiries regarding the bylaw last year. Five complaints were also received, resulting in five charges laid -- three against one lawn care company and two against individual homeowners.

While the town is using this information to paint a pretty rosy picture of general compliance to the bylaw, we're a little skeptical. It's very difficult to know exactly what is going on behind closed garden gates, and what homeowners may be purchasing from area hardware and department stores and applying to lawns and gardens.

We'd like to think that there are very few homeowners who would willfully contravene this bylaw; but we're not convinced that everyone out there has all the information to ensure they are following the new rules.

We would encourage the town to roll out a second education campaign this year -- enclosing information in Orangeville Hydro mailings, making information available at local events such as the opening of the Orangeville Farmers' Market, etc. And we would encourage residents to make sure they completely understand the rules before they start treating their lawns.